Penguins visit West Point for the first time since 2008

The Pittsburgh Penguins will conclude training camp with a three-day visit to West Point Sept. 27-29, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.

Pittsburgh’s visit will focus on leadership development and team bonding, and will also include on-ice practice sessions at Tate Rink, including select sessions that will be open to the public.

This marks the third time that the Penguins have visited West Point during training camp, and the first such visit since 2008. Pittsburgh also spent time at West Point in 2006 during Shero’s first training camp as general manager.

Army men’s ice hockey head coach Brian Riley, who helped welcome the Penguins on their previous two visits to West Point, said his program is looking forward to once again having the opportunity to welcome a NHL team to campus.

“We are extremely honored to welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins back here to West Point,” Riley said. “They are nothing short of a first-class organization under General Manager Ray Shero. While it’s an exciting time for our program and our fans, it’s an opportunity for the Penguins to be around the special young men and women here at West Point, only furthering their appreciation for those serving in our armed forces. Our hope is their next visit will be with the Stanley Cup next spring.”

“We had some tremendous team-building experiences at West Point a few years ago, and our players really enjoyed it,” Shero said. “We think it will be a great opportunity for this group to come together in a unique setting during the last week of camp. Coach Riley and his staff do a great job and it’s always been a pleasure to spend time with them and to interact with the cadets. We are looking forward to getting back there and preparing for the start of the NHL season.”

A more detailed West Point itinerary will be announced closer to the Penguins’ visit.